Why The Puffer Jacket Is the Cool, Statement Jacket of the Holiday Party Season

When Demna Gvasalia landed at Balenciaga last winter, insiders couldn’t wait to see what the Vetements designer had cooked up for the storied French house. And while there was much to absorb, the hero piece of the collection was a red puffer jacket styled off-the-shoulder and paired with a crystal-embellished turtleneck, minimal envelope clutch, and floral-bedecked satin pumps.

In one fell swoop, Gvasalia made the lowly utilitarian jacket reserved for the most frigid of temperatures cool—and for that matter, chic. “It may just be my new favorite snow coat this season,” says Hollywood stylist Jamie Mizrahi, whose clients include Katy Perry, Riley Keough, Sasha Lane, and Suki Waterhouse. “I am a fan of the color as well as the warmth.”

Now, that winter is upon us, how does one brave the elements in style? Taking cues from Gvasalia, there's no need to fear putting on that baggy, sleeping bag-esque coat you previously abhorred. Just look at Rihanna, who wore a cotton candy pink, quilted variation by Ella Boucht during Paris fashion week this year. Even Gigi Hadid sported a metallic version by Tommy Hilfiger during her recent outing, proving that the puffer coat might be replacing the covetable fur as the statement topper of the season—just in time for holidays! “It's definitely the more eco friendly version instead of a fur,” adds Mizrahi.

Rihanna wearing a puffer jacket by Ella Boucht.

KCS Presse / Splash News

“Puffers for holiday are the perfect yin and yang of a skinny to full look,” says designer Norma Kamali, who created one of the first high fashion down numbers back in 1973 after using her sleeping bag as a coat when on a camping trip with Bob Currie in the woods. “Think about wearing it with slinky gowns that are close to the body, or sequin leggings with a white graphic T-shirt, leopard turban, and long gloves—just roll the sleeves of the jacket up.”

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More winter styles we love:

1. Gigi Hadid Is the Reigning Queen of Staying Warm This Winter
2. Gigi Hadid Just Showed Us All How to Wear a Crop Top in Winter
3. 14 Chic Holiday Party Accessories You Didn't Know You Needed

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Rita Ora wearing a orange coat by Acne Studios.

Robert O'neil/Splash News

Mizrahi, for her part, suggests looking for more “evening versions” like Stella McCartney's velvet, navy coat or Alexander Wang’s chevron striped cropped jacket with shearling collar. For those on a budget, Zara has a red puffer very similar to the one that showed on the runway at Balenciaga.

And if you're afraid if you'll stick out like a sore thumb at your next holiday soirée, Kamali suggests using the term “festive” as a litmus test because that’s what the season is about—you are celebrating!: “Dress happy, cozy, and glamorous all over and you’ll be set.”

Check out Gigi's most surprising style moments: